“Battle of the Giants: Celtic and Rangers Race to Secure ‘Special’ £60m Premier League Star on Loan This January..
Rangers will need to make a significant move in January if they are to close the current 11-point gap behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Philippe Clement has had a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season at Ibrox, with Rangers winning only seven of their first 12 league matches, while Celtic remain unbeaten under Brendan Rodgers. Closing this sizable gap will require some major efforts, and TBR Football understands that Rangers are determined to do so by pursuing top Premier League talent, particularly Brighton’s Evan Ferguson – though Celtic are also interested.
Celtic and Rangers Compete for Evan Ferguson According to TBR Football, both Celtic and Rangers are aiming to sign the Republic of Ireland international on loan in January, after Brighton made him available for a temporary move. Ferguson, who Jamie Carragher has praised as a “special” talent, has struggled for game time under Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler this season, making just one Premier League start. Sources indicate that the £60m-rated forward is frustrated with his lack of opportunities and that Brighton has given the green light for a loan exit in January.
Both Celtic and Rangers are eager to sign Ferguson, who has also drawn attention from West Ham, Southampton, Leicester, and Fulham. However, Brighton is seeking assurances that the 20-year-old will receive regular playing time during his loan spell.
Ferguson, regarded as one of the brightest young strikers by Brighton, is also attracting interest from clubs in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany.
Ferguson’s Past Connection with Celtic Celtic and Ferguson have some history together. The Drogheda-born striker had a trial with the club during his youth and has also expressed admiration for Celtic defender Liam Scales. When asked if Celtic had ever made an offer for him while he was at St Kevin’s Boys and Bohemians, Ferguson replied, “Nah, I don’t think so, but I went on a few trials when I was younger.” He also mentioned Scales as his favorite Celtic player when asked. If Celtic can put together an appealing offer, Ferguson could join Scales at Celtic Park for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
